Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Message for the day 30-11-2010

To listen to others fully is to be able to be free from repeating mistakes.

Projection:

When there is criticism that comes one's way, it should be carefully analysed to see if there is any truth in it. If there is correction can be made accordingly. On the other hand, if others' criticism is ignored or there is a tendency to defend oneself, there cannot be any correction and mistakes are repeated.

Solution:

When I listen to others with honesty, I am able to discover even the most negligible aspect in my behaviour which I can change. So I find myself constantly improving and progressing and moving on towards success. So having brought about a change, even the criticism that comes my way stops.

Brahma Kumaris

Soul Sustenance

Practical Exercises Of Self Transformation Through The Power Of Meditation

Given below are some practical points for change through the power of meditation. If you have not started meditating yet, the practical benefits of meditation given below will perhaps inspire you to do so:

Have the powerful and determined thought, "I must change myself".
For the next few days, write down your experiences on the following topics:

1. Write of an experience of how the power of meditation gave you mental and physical energy, so you got more work done in less the time.

2. Write of your experience of how the power of meditation enables you to churn (think) spiritual knowledge (e.g. what is shared in each day’s “Positive Reflection”) deeply and change a situation.

3. From your space in silence, observe other souls in a detached way and relate that to the knowledge of this drama - the game of life i.e. every soul is playing his accurate role via the physical body. I need to remain non-judgemental. Make a special effort to remain angelic all day. Speak sweetly, and only when necessary and spread your light to all around. Write down your experience.

4. Experience how the power of meditation makes situations and problems very light. It enables me to enjoy the arts...the art of managing people, the art of leisure, of being busy etc. Write your experience.

(To be continued tomorrow …)

In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris

Monday, November 29, 2010

Message for the day 29-11-2010

To have the spirit of sharing is to be constantly happy.

Projection:

There are lots of resources in each one's life that can be shared with others. The more there is the consciousness of giving there is the ability to give and share these inner resources with others. New treasures are discovered and used for the benefit of all and also for the self.

Solution:

There is constant satisfaction in my life when there is the spirit of giving. There are no expectations from others, but only an awareness of what I have. Life becomes more and more satisfactory and I feel richer for having given unconditionally. There are also constant good wishes that I receive from others.

Brahma Kumaris

Soul Sustenance

Understanding The Birth-Life-Death-Rebirth Cycle (cont.)

We subconsciously know that we are souls. Birth, life and death are just stages in existence. In fact all natural processes can be found to have a beginning, a middle, an end and a new beginning to continue the cycle. The soul takes a bodily form, gives life to it and after a period of time, long or short, leaves it and takes another suited to the continuation of its role. As long as the soul is in the body, the body grows like a plant from baby to child, youth to maturity. It then begins to decay and finally becomes unusable. The moment the soul leaves the body, the body becomes like a dead log of a tree. It immediately starts to decompose and eventually goes back "to dust”.

Again the soul moves into a fetus inside the womb of a mother. After time it emerges as a newborn baby and immediately begins to show the “sanskars” it had developed in its previous life. It is the same soul but in a new physical situation. Thus death is merely the means by which a complete change of circumstances and environment for the soul takes place. Time never kills the soul, but the body, being a part of nature or matter, obeys the law of decay that everything new becomes old and eventually finishes. The molecular components of this body disintegrate only to re-integrate as another form (body) some time later.

The process of birth-life-death-rebirth is also eternal (without a beginning or an end). It has always been going on and will continue. The soul comes into the body, expresses a role and experiences the results of that for a certain time, then leaves it, and the process starts again. Similarly, souls come into this world, remain here as actors for a number of births and then return to the region from which they come, for rest. This process also starts again. The pattern is a cyclic one. This is called the eternal world cycle.

In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris

Sunday, November 28, 2010

Thought for Today

Even with the best intentions, we can find ourselves stuck in cycles of negative thinking; often, these are caused due to negative self- belief. These cyclic thoughts waste our time, but more often, they are depressing or even destructive, especially if the cycle is due to a deep-rooted lack of self-esteem or self-confidence. Cyclic negative thoughts, by definition, have become a habit.

However, cycles of thinking can be positive too. Some people almost regularly respond to negative situations or events with feelings of optimism and positivity; they see success and are confident. If this is not natural to us, we can train ourselves to respond in this way. To become optimistic we need to create in our mind images of past success and generate a quiet self-assurance. Thus a cycle of positive thinking gets started and will, in time, become a habit.

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Message for the day 28-11-2010

The one who follows the right method gets easy success.

Projection:

When there is a clear aim of what has to be done and how one has to go about doing it, then there is accuracy in all words and actions. Whatever effort is put in is according to the system and is naturally accurate. So when there is accuracy in all that is done, the fruit of that is also right.

Solution:

When I have been following the right method for whatever I have to do, I am able to remain happy for the effort that I have put in. I am also able to be patient and wait for the fruit of my effort to come at its own time. I am never in a hurry, so I always experience success whatever the outcome of the task may be.

Brahma Kumaris

Soul Sustenance

Understanding The Birth-Life-Death-Rebirth Cycle

The realization of the self as a soul, an eternal (always existing) energy, naturally leads to the following questions:

• Where is the soul before it comes into a physical body?
• Where does the soul go after it leaves it?
• What is the purpose of the world drama?

These are questions that deeply concern human beings, yet until now there isn’t 100% conclusive proof of life after death.

The images of "fires of hell" and a heavenly world beyond the clouds are talked about in the world's religions. Yet to the rational and logical minded, the states of living forever tortured in holes of fire (hell) or on the other hand relaxing in complete happiness in a fairy-tale kingdom (heaven), seem far away from the reality of the present.

Most accept that there is some order to the world creation, but viewing our drama through spectacles of body-consciousness it is impossible to see it, as the soul is imprisoned by bodily needs and sensual desires. In body-consciousness the soul is unable to see anything clearly. Only when we are at the point of death does one think about "life after death". At funerals, everyone faces the new absence of a loved person, the departure of the personality and the temporary nature of the physical body. Everyone wishes that the person who has died will go to "heaven" and not to “hell”.

(To be continued tomorrow ….)

In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris

Saturday, November 27, 2010

Thought for Today

The example of an iceberg shows the need to see under people's surface behaviour; the need of a deeper insight. Only 10% of an iceberg is visible on the surface, 90% is under the waterline, invisible, but yet prominent. If there is a wind coming from left to right, just by seeing the visible mass, we think it will move the iceberg to towards the right. If, against all expectations, the iceberg moves in the opposite direction (left), it is because, under the waterline, there is a strong current running towards the left.

Sometimes you, as a leader, try to move people in a certain direction by giving them orders, instructions, explanations and encouragement, but you do it on the basis of what you see above the surface. The visible part represents what is at the surface such as appearance, behaviour, manners etc. You do not see what moves them under the surface so you become surprised and maybe frustrated seeing them move in the opposite direction. The main part, which is the 90% not visible, is within the subconscious. Under the surface (subconscious) you will find emotions, fears, attitudes, deeply held values etc.

If you want to move people, if you want to motivate others for a project or even just to reach others, you need to be aware of these kinds of things that you find under the surface. The key to understanding others better is to be more aware of your own feelings and under-currents, because, at a deep level, we are very much alike. If you understand your own fears and strong motivators, you will understand others much better.

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Message for the day 27-11-2010

To switch on the power of awareness is to be free from being mood off.

Projection:

To be mood off means to find excuses and reasons to feel negative - to have negative thoughts for the self or for the others. But if there is a strong powerful awareness in the mind, a positive thought about the self, there will not be a chance for a negative thought to enter the mind. So there will never be any reason to be mood off.

Solution:

When I am able to maintain a single powerful thought, I am able to remain happy and content. I am not dependent on the external situations for the internal state of mind. Nor do I make external situations as an excuse to further weaken my own thoughts. So there is constantly a feeling of positivity under all circumstances.

Brahma Kumaris

Soul Sustenance

Recognizing Wasteful Thinking

Most of us think far too much - somewhere around and in fact more than 40,000 thoughts a day on average! Why is that too much? Because most of our thoughts are based on insecurity and worry about uncertain futures. In fact, most thinking is really worry, which we wrongly think is care; anxiety, which we wrongly think is concern. Thinking does not give us the strength we need to live a calmer, more fulfilling life. It drains our energy and hinders the access we need to our own inner spiritual wisdom. Thinking can easily be an inner noise that drowns out the voice of our heart. When we say, "I just need to think about that”; we really mean "l'm not sure”; which means there is doubt, and doubt is one of those habits, which turns into worry and anxiety, and all they do is subtly drain our energy.

In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris

Thought for Today

We all want to be liked, valued and appreciated. There's no doubt that we're motivated by praise; from those who matter to us. But it's easy to become addicted to praise. Savour compliments without needing them. Enjoy performing well even if no one notices. Give your best without expecting validation.

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Message for the day 26-11-2010

To be free from desires is to have the experience of attainment.

Projection:

The more there are desires, the more it becomes difficult to appreciate what is there and what is attained. Life becomes a constant struggle for attaining something else. One desire is fulfilled and before it can be appreciated all energies are focused on the fulfillment of ten other desires.

Solution:

When I continue to run after desires, I am not able to have the experience of having attained anything. Running for desires is like running after the shadow, I can never get it. But when I turn my back on it, it runs after me. If I am free from desires, I am rich because I am content with whatever little I have and I am happy putting in effort to be better with that little.

Brahma Kumaris

Soul Sustenance

Understanding The Mental Laws : The Law of Cause and Effect

To imagine how the law of karma works, consider what happens when we throw a stone into a lake: it causes ripples that spread out towards the shoreline, before returning to the centre point.

Human beings constantly emit energy. We create thoughts, emotions and feelings that transmit vibrations. There are people who tend to radiate energy and others who tend to absorb it. The energy we give off hits other people and rebounds back to us. From this law we should understand that if people send us energy that is not very pleasant, perhaps it is because on another occasion we sent out this type of energy, although it may have taken a long time to come back to us.

If we make an effort to give off positive energy, with love and respect for others, this energy will also come back to us. Positive energy creates a higher vibration than negative energy. Radiating positive energy produces an aura around us that protects us from negativity or from feeling hurt or humiliated. Our ego, which causes the radiation of negative energy, makes us susceptible to criticism, lack of respect and slander. If our ego does not take over, the negativity will not touch our inner selves.

In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris

Thursday, November 25, 2010

Thought for Today

Ask yourself the question: "What would make my office or home a more peaceful place?"

There are many ways in which you can make your office/home a peaceful place, through your own behaviour and the way in which you organize your workplace (office) or home. By functioning from an inner peaceful state and being a peaceful listener, you are able to create meaningful and peaceful interactions with whom you work and stay.

As well as creating a peaceful state within, it is important to bring a sense of peace into your surroundings. You can make positive changes in the outer environment, which might promote and reflect inner peace. You can choose plants, pictures, colours, sounds and furnishings (furniture), which contribute to a sense of calm, peace and well being. You can also do this by clearing noise and finding ways of creating a sense of openness or space in your office or home.

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Message for the day 25-11-2010

The one who is the master is the one who creates positive thoughts under all circumstances.

Projection:

The one who is the master of himself is always able to create the right kind of thoughts according to the circumstance. Never is there the dependency on situations or people for the right kind of responses. Since there is mastery over thoughts, there is also mastery over all words spoken and everything done.

Solution:

When I am able to be a master of myself, I am able to constantly create positive thoughts. I am in touch with the inner resources and I am able to make use of these resources in a timely way. I never get confused or pressurized with outside situations, but am able to be in control in all situations.

Brahma Kumaris

Soul Sustenance

Benefits Of Rajyoga Meditation (cont.)

We had explained some of the benefits of Rajyoga Meditation yesterday. Some more are:

Dissolves Dissatisfactions:
Human beings can be compared to a pressure cooker. When the pressure in the pressure cooker increases the safety valve starts operating. Hence the extra pressure is reduced. Due to various dissatisfactions and conflicts our mental pressure also increases. Human beings don't have any safety valve hence many physical diseases develop due to the mental pressure. A particular person will suffer from a disease which depends on the weakness of a particular organ in his body. During Rajyoga meditation practice one receives the love of all relations from the Supreme Father or Supreme Soul, hence suppressed dissatisfactions are removed. This is possible because Rajyoga is not based on any physical practice but it is the technique of spiritually tuning one's mind and intellect towards the loveful and peaceful remembrance of the Supreme.

Transforms Attitudes:
Transformation of attitudes which is vital for stress management is not possible by most physical yoga techniques, which focus more on the body. Uniqueness of Rajyoga meditation is that it immensely contributes to the transformation of attitudes. Deep understanding of the 'Self', 'Supreme Soul', 'Laws Of Karma' etc., are very much necessary for attitudinal change. Research studies have suggested that positive attitudes can help overcome even dangerous diseases like cancer.

In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

Thought for Today

Our five senses are windows, which open out to the world through which energy flows in two directions. The senses receive impressions and information from the world, and at the same time transmit our personalities to others. Our eyes receive a constant stream of visual messages, but we may also use the eyes to show how we feel. Through our ears we hear the sounds of life; while by "lending an ear" to others we give comfort to them. Touch allows us to experience texture; but can also transmit love and assurance. Our senses are not merely instruments, but deep-rooted aspects of the self or the soul. Eastern thinking brilliantly shows the senses of the body (eyes, ears, nose, tongue and hands) as a chariot. The self or the soul is the charioteer (controller of the chariot); the five senses are the five horses. The self keeps the senses harmoniously (peacefully) working together, controlling their tendency to go out of control.

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Soul Sustenance

Understanding Fear

Everyone, when they are young, knows what their destiny is. At that point in their lives, everything is clear and everything is possible. They are not afraid to dream, and to wish for everything they would like to see happen to them in their lives. But, as time passes, a mysterious force begins to convince them that it will be impossible for them to realize their destiny... There is only one thing that makes a dream impossible to achieve: the fear of failure.

Fear is an energy that puts a brake on you and prevents you from doing what you want and aiming where you want to go. It blocks you in the communication and expression of what you want to say. Fear makes you hide, suppress and not express the most attractive; the most beautiful part of your inner self.

Fear has an influence on our capacity to reason, discriminate and take decisions. It makes us doubt, it makes us indecisive even in the simplest decisions of our lives. Fear does not allow your energy to flow, and that weakens your state of well being and general health. Fear locks you into yourself and makes you become indecisive. It is a shadow over your inner self that prevents you from acting with ease and fluidity. It reduces your capacity of expression, of being yourself, of dealing with life and flowing in it.

In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris

Message for the day 23-11-2010

To contribute specialities is to have the power to cooperate.

Projection:

Each individual is unique with his own unique set of capabilities. The one who is aware of his specialities and contributes them to any task is the one who is able to cooperate under all circumstances and with all people. There are no conditions attached to contribute these resources.

Solution:

When I contribute to every task with my own specialities I have double satisfaction. I have the satisfaction of having contributed something and I am also free from expectations from others. I also find that because I am able to give unconditionally, others too are able to cooperate with me.

Brahma Kumaris

Monday, November 22, 2010

Thought for Today

No problem ever comes without a solution. Even when it seems unlikely, the truth is - there is always a solution. It's just waiting for you to unpack it!

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Message for the day 22-11-2010

To have respect for the self constantly is to experience progress.

Projection:

The one who has respect for the self is not dependent on external inputs for having a good state of mind. To have respect for the self means to have the right state of mind and the right way of working with the self specially when things are not going well. It means to constantly express the positivity that is within.

Solution:

When I am able to give respect for the self under all circumstances I am able to experience constant progress. Especially when I am not able to achieve the desired results or when I am not able to be successful, at that time I need to be good to myself. Then I will be able to be the best and do the best with what I have. So I will be able to experience constant progress.

Brahma Kumaris

Soul Sustenance

Understanding And Overcoming Repetitive Thoughts

Repetitive thoughts are mental dependencies that arise due to a badly channeled imagination, false beliefs or mental weakness. For example, this happens when the pattern of negative repetitive thoughts makes us experience continuous feelings of guilt. Or we think, almost obsessively and continuously, that someone wants to hurt us or are after us. Or we create continuous thoughts of jealousy, hatred and violence with regards to another individual. They are negative and self-destructive habits. We fall into repetitive thoughts, which make us live in constant unhappiness.

We spend a lot of time during the day with these types of unnecessary thoughts. They are leaks of energy that weaken us. We have created the habit of thinking like that and, therefore, it is in our hands to learn to change it. We can free ourselves of these dependencies and the result is to be freer, mentally, of negative and repetitive thoughts, which are like a constant hammering. It is a question of learning to control what we think, thinking positively and in a focused manner, meditating and exercising the mind. We exercise to keep the body healthy and strong; in order to have a healthy and strong mind we have to learn exercises like meditation and relaxation that help us to free ourselves from repetitive thoughts which are nothing but bad positions or postures of the mind.

In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris

Sunday, November 21, 2010

Thought for Today

Energy is neither created nor destroyed, but transformed into other energy forms. Energy follows a direction in its constant movement. In a spontaneous way, it tends to go from a concentrated state into a state of expansion. For example, after a while a full glass of hot water goes cold. This is a law of physics according to which all things tend to go from a high-energy state to a low-energy state.

Applying these principles to the area of our conscience, our thoughts and feelings, we can discover similarities to these laws. When our thoughts (which are metaphysical (non physical) energy are focused on the outermost layers of our conscience, towards the external world (objects, possessions, people and so on), our creative capacity decreases, weakening us on entering into this expansion and not having sufficient power (concentrated energy) to take on negative situations
and circumstances that we are faced with.

On the other hand, if we focus on our intrinsic, original and genuine qualities (peace, love, power) we accumulate more energy and our inner strength can grow. This means that we are capable of creating, of having more willpower and, therefore, strengthening our self-esteem.

Positive thoughts are a high-frequency vibration that transports a great deal of concentrated energy, capable of influencing the atmosphere and the consciences of other people in a subtle way, transforming any negative vibrations.

Negative thoughts are a low-frequency vibration that causes the energy to become dissipated. They weaken and block communication. They destroy harmony (peace).

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Message for the day 21-11-2010

The one who has courage to bring about a change is free from excuses.

Projection:

For the one who recognizes the need for bringing about a change, every situation is an excuse for doing something new. If there is no commitment to change in every situation, excuses are given and others are blamed. So there is nothing new that is done and nothing new achieved.

Solution:

Life becomes very interesting for me when I am willing to take up the challenges that it brings. I am not afraid of new situations and challenges but am able to make the best out of the situation, I am free from fear and have the courage to bring about a change easily and naturally.

Brahma Kumaris

Soul Sustenance

Understanding Anger And Its Many Forms

It is easy to understand how anger is one of the greatest fires in the human mind. Anger may take the form of yelling, shouting and verbal abuse, such as threatening, accusing, demanding, giving ultimatums: 'Do it or else!' But anger is also seen in the irritation when we do not speak: it is that silent smouldering (burning) where we emit fumes and fires of stored resentments (anger) and hatred, which effectively cuts real communication with others and ultimately ruins relationships. We get angry because we expect a certain type of behaviour from someone and when the behavior is not according to our expectations we become violent, convincing ourselves that others deserve to be punished. However, this result is an unresolved violence, which keeps emerging according to time and circumstance. Angry people feel too self-justified to even think about forgiveness, or letting go, in order make a person or situation peaceful - they are too attached to the fact that they are right and the other is wrong.

In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris

Thought for Today

We continuously broadcast - we don't have an on-off switch. Whatever is going on inside us - our thoughts, feelings and intentions transmits loud and clear into the environment. Pay attention to your inner world and be aware of what you broadcast

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Message for the day 20-11-2010

To be accepting means to give a chance to the other person to change.

Projection:

When someone makes a mistake there is usually a feeling of guilt and a lot of negative feelings. At such a time if there is understanding and love, it helps the other person bring about a change. There will be always an environment of positivity provided by the one who understands and accepts. So anyone in this environment can bring about a change with great ease.

Solution:

Only when I am able to accept can I bring about a change in the other person. When I accept I am able to see what the other person is lacking and provide him with it. So I am actually giving the other person a chance to change. Also when I accept others and understand them, others too are able to accept me and love me as I am. I find my relationships becoming more and more beautiful.

Brahma Kumaris

Soul Sustenance

Serving the World Through Meditation

By entering into meditative-consciousness, the soul is able to serve the whole world. Physical charity is limited to the physical plane. We can only be in one place at any one time and only with a few others, whom we serve. When the soul enters the consciousness of its original state, it is free and it can become a channel (medium) for God's qualities to flow to all others. In this state I am instantly in contact with all others because on this level, there are no physical divisions like distance etc. My thoughts and vibrations (mental energy waves) of peace, bliss and love can reach out and serve all at the same time.

Experience and visualize this simple meditation:

“I am a soul... a tiny star... like the Supreme Soul, Supreme Being...
radiating my original qualities... I become so small...
so detached from the name and form of the body...
and those associated with that name and form... just a soul...
so concentrated...
I travel with the power of thought to my incorporeal (non-physical) home – “paramdham”, “shantidham”…
I am now in front of the Supreme Father... the Highest of Highest...
in the soft golden red light of this Highest Home…
receiving... receiving... and through me, His spiritual light is spreading to all souls, which shine like stars on the world globe below …”

In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris

Friday, November 19, 2010

Thought for Today

To tolerate does not mean to die, but to live in everyone's heart with love. No natter how much against you someone is, even if you have to tolerate not once but ten times, nevertheless, the fruit of the power of tolerance is imperishable and sweet.

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Message for the day 19-11-2010

To let go of worry of the problem is to find the right solution.

Projection:

When the mind is caught up with any problem there is a great difficulty in finding solutions. Instead when the mind is free from worry, it finds the answers that lie within. So whatever the kind of situations or problems, the one who is free from worry is the one who is able to respond to the situation in the right way. Nor does such a person take time in making decisions during challenging times.

Solution:

When I only continue to worry about my problems it is like cursing the darkness. It will not bring light. All I need to do is light a little lamp and I will find the light coming in slowly spreading all around. I find that it is very easy to find the solutions that are already within me.

Brahma Kumaris

Soul Sustenance

Stress Management (cont.)

There are some false beliefs about stress that we have acquired:
"Stress is something physical and some relaxation and a little rest will make it go away"

Truth: We get influenced by the articles and the advertisements which say, "Do this, consume that, go there and you will be stress-free". This is not true. If it were true, the levels of stress in life, in general, would be going down, not up. We now buy and consume more things, travel to more places and create more sophisticated forms of entertainment, all in the name of relaxation, than ever before. And yet, almost every day there seem to be new sets of statistics saying levels of stress, anxiety, insecurity and work-place pressures are on the rise.

Pay much more attention to your thoughts and feelings, learn to manage them, learn to fill them with peace and calm, and then watch your personality change for the better as you restore your mental and then physical well-being. Everyone knows this intuitively.

Watch yourself when you get home tonight. Into the lounge you go, coffee cup in hand, straight to the couch, reaching for the remote and on comes the flickering screen. The midnight movie is going on - two hours of terror, fear, anger, stress, etc. And we call this relaxation. See how clever the marketing men are. They have convinced us that stimulation is relaxation. Perhaps it's time to awaken from this illusion!

In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris

Thursday, November 18, 2010

Thought for Today

The art of right decision making lies in thinking less.

When I am faced with a difficult situation, I naturally begin to think a lot. I tend to feel that the more I think, the more choices I have and the better the decision I will be able to take. But such thinking only creates more and more waste thoughts. I need to make the effort of thinking less about the problem. Even a few moments of internal silence helps me develop my intuition and the right decision is made from within; because silence brings solutions.

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Message for the day 18-11-2010

To move towards perfection is to have commitment for goodness.

Projection:

The one who has a desire to move towards perfection is constantly busy trying to add goodness and positivity to everything he does. The aim is not just to keep out negativity but it becomes more important to add positivity. So such a person finds constant progress in his life and slowly moves towards perfection.

Solution:

When I find little excuses to bring about positivity, I am able to enjoy each and every moment. I never find anything ordinary or waste but everything is meaningful and beautiful. I am able to enjoy the richness of each and everything and discover the hidden treasures in each and every moment. I find myself slowly moving towards perfection.

Brahma Kumaris

Soul Sustenance

Stress Management

There are some false beliefs about stress that we have acquired:

"Stress is something physical and some relaxation and a little rest will make it go away"

Truth: The reason this myth has so much power in the world is that we think we are only physical forms and that, if we relax our bodies, our minds will follow. But it actually happens the other way round - by relaxing the mind, the body follows suit. That's not to say we don't need to look after our bodies, we do, the body is our temple, our vehicle, our costume. Without it, we would not be able to talk to each other and create our life experience. So perhaps it's time to get wiser and cut down on the consumptions and activities that are aimed at the goal of relaxation.

The root cause of all stress can be found in the non-physical dimension of thoughts and feelings. Physical treatments, therapies and relaxation strategies may relieve some symptoms, but they cannot change the way you think. Your thinking is the cause. And behind your thoughts, your beliefs are a deeper cause.

(To be continued tomorrow...)

In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris

Thought for Today

Just because we're afraid, it doesn't mean we're in danger. Just because we're scared, it doesn't mean we're not smart enough or strong enough to overcome our fears.

If we can imagine all kinds of terrible things that can happen to us, we can equally also imagine overcoming every difficulty. Fear diminishes as we study our options, make plans and take action.

So, in truth, fear is nothing to fear. It is just a promise of great personal achievement for those who wish to overcome it.

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Message for the day 17-11-2010

To understand is to be easy and light.

Projection:

Life brings obstacles and difficulties. They do not come to stop or hinder progress. They can strengthen and help in bringing progress with more experience. To understand this is to keep advancing. Understanding this aspect means to know that it is not always necessary to find a solution, it is enough to keep moving forward, leaving the obstacle behind.

Solution:

True understanding is to understand what the solution of the problem is and bring it into my own life accordingly. When I am able to understand this instead of focusing too much on the problem, I am able to remain happy. This brings a lot of inner lightness and ease and thereby I am able to use all my strength in bringing about solutions.

Brahma Kumaris

Soul Sustenance

Inculcating Powers Through Rajyoga Meditation - The Power To Decide

Sometimes, there are certain situations where I'm not so much faced with a choice between truth and falsehood where the power to discern (discriminate) is required, but I have to balance competing aims or priorities in deciding on a course of action. There's great value in getting this right, because poor judgment can entangle me in consequences from which it might take years to recover. If I'm deflected because of my attachments or desires, I'll lose my ability to decide accurately.

Understanding myself as a soul, and keeping my heart full and free through my relationship with the Supreme Soul (meditation) makes my mind free from waste thoughts. Having a clean, clear and concentrated mind helps me remain in the best possible position to judge correctly. I'll be like the Statue of Justice, wearing a blindfold as she carefully weighs the evidence: free from prejudice (bias) arising from superficial appearances, above the influence of situations and the emotions and opinions of others, perfectly centered, she is optimally placed to sense the right way forward.

In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

Thought for Today

The way to control the mind is to talk to it with love.

Whenever I find my mind wandering I try to control it with force. I try to pull the mind and order it not to think about something. Yet I find that, the more I try to force the mind not to go in a particular direction, the more it tends to go there. The only way to control the mind is to talk to it with love. Just as I would explain to a child, I need to explain to it with love. This will make my mind my friend and I will be able to concentrate even in any undesirable situations.

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Thought for Today

The ones who are detached watch the challenges that come their way as a game.

There would definitely be many difficult situations that come our way, but if we are detached, we will not become confused. Detachment gives us the power to observe all the situations just as we would observe a game. We would not feel caught up, but will be able to enjoy under all circumstances. If there is any situation where we feel helpless we need to develop the power of detachment. We should practice looking at the situation just as we would watch a play. Then we can feel light and enjoy the different turns that the situation takes.

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Message for the day 15-11-2010

Perfection comes when there is positivity in thoughts.

Projection:

When we are faced with any weakness of ours, we usually think about it so much that it is totally blown out of proportion and it seems bigger than it actually is. This leads to negative thinking, which in turn doesn't let us work on improving ourselves. We will then just remain the way we are, not being able to bring about progress.

Solution:

What we need to do in order to win over our weakness is to change our focus. Instead of thinking about the weakness, we only need to think, "I am not perfect yet, but I am working towards it and I am slowly improving." With such positive thoughts, our negativity will finish.

Brahma Kumaris

Soul Sustenance

Meditation In Action (cont.)

The churning over of points of knowledge throughout our active hours strengthens and maintains the meditative state of mind.

There are five basic points to churn over. We had discussed two yesterday. The remaining three are given below. Create your own thought commentaries around each point.

What Is My True Religion?
No matter how much surrounding turmoil there may be, I can remember that my true religion is peace and purity. I am not a Hindu, a Buddhist or Christian, I am a peaceful soul. Just as people may do not want convert from their religions, I resist any attempt to pull me away from my true religion of peace and purity.

Where And What Is My Home?
Just as people love their homeland, I can have the same natural love for my original home, the soul world. At the same time I can be aware of my original form of light and power. In this way I can cross any situation that comes in front of me. I am also aware that I have soon to return home and so I must settle all my karmic accounts.

How Is This World a Drama?
With the consciousness of the eternal world cycle, I can see my role and the roles of others in a perfect and unlimited drama. Even though others and I are playing parts, we are separate from the roles. Now that I know the Director (Supreme Soul) and story of the whole drama from a spiritual perspective, there is no point in getting upset over tiny little scenes. I know that in the beginning of the drama when I had come on this world stage from the soul world, I was full of peace, love, purity and happiness and so now I can re-emerge the sanskaras that I had in the beginning.

In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris

Sunday, November 14, 2010

Thought for Today

Love is not exclusive.

The sun does not choose to shine on some and not on others. Love is inclusive. An act of love is to accept yourself and others right now, warts and all.

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Message for the day 14-11-2010

Contentment makes one virtuous.

Projection:

The one who is content is free from selfishness, yet is concerned about filling the self with inner treasures. Such a person finds his stock of treasures always full and overflowing. So his thoughts, words and actions are those that are constantly bringing benefit to those around.

Solution:

When I am always content, I always experience myself to be victorious. I am easily able to learn from all situations and use all my experiences to move forward. Also I become a giver. I thus get the love and good wishes of those around me and am also able to experience constant progress.

Brahma Kumaris

Soul Sustenance

Meditation In Action

Meditation is not something we do but rather something we have. It is not that we spend 23 hours in an extrovert state and only one hour in introspective self- effort. In this sense, extroversion means to have the attention drawn by all the goings-on outside the soul. True introversion, also, does not mean to sit in a corner and not speak to anyone; it means to pay attention that all thoughts, words and actions are flowing in the right direction. In this respect, the churning over of points of knowledge throughout our active hours strengthens and maintains the meditative state of mind.

There are five basic points to churn over. Create your own thought commentaries around each point.

Who Am I?
I am a soul. The body is my chariot. All human beings are souls too, my brothers and sisters. I see them with spiritual love. Whilst walking and talking I see others as souls. Maintaining this vision I cross all the barriers of worldly differences.

Whose Child Am I?
Just as I naturally have the awareness of being the child of my physical father, receiving sustenance and a form of inheritance, so too I can have the natural consciousness of being a child of the Supreme Father. I can reflect on the sustenance and inheritance in the form of knowledge, virtues and powers I receive from Him.

(To be continued tomorrow ….)

In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris

Saturday, November 13, 2010

Thought for Today

To be free from negativity is to be free from limitation.

In many situations I tend to feel helpless and bound by different things and people coming my way. I continue to blame others for my difficulties, but find no solace or solution. I also look for solutions outside, but find none. The real cause of my limitation or my feeling of helplessness is not situation or people but my own weaknesses. I need to check and realize the weakness working within me, in that particular situation and I will be able to overcome the limitation.

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Message for the day 13-11-2010

To tighten the loose screw of carelessness is to be powerful.

Projection:

The one who is careless is not able to use the powers and the skills that he has. All the positive qualities within are wasted, because the one who is careless is not able to use them in the best possible way. But the one who is able to tighten the loose screw of carelessness is able to recognize and use the potentials that are within. So there is power visible in such a person.

Solution:

When I am able to be free from carelessness, I am able to move forward with lightness and happiness. There is no difficulty of any situations experienced and I do everything to the best of my ability without giving any excuses. I am able to experience being powerful under all circumstances, as I am the master of the situation.

Brahma Kumaris

Soul Sustenance

Anger Management And Prevention

There are some false ideas about anger that we have acquired, which we use to justify and nourish our anger:

1. Anger is a natural response to other people’s behaviour.
Fact:
You don’t realize the danger anger presents to your personal health and well-being. By maintaining this belief, you conveniently avoid the inner work of changing a deep negative habit.
Tip For Transformation:(Change) Meditation enables you to remain kind towards what and who you see, no matter what they appear to have done.

2. In order to be assertive (confidently aggressive or self-assured), I have to use anger as a weapon.
Fact: Anger is the opposite of assertiveness. When you become angry, firstly you are killing yourself, and those with whom you become angry are only going to give back to you what they get or distance themselves from you completely.
Tip For Transformation: To make a real and lasting peace with others we need to be anger-free, which can be achieved through meditation.

In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris

Friday, November 12, 2010

Thought for Today

If you don't let go of the scene, the event, the sounds and the images of other people, whom you mistakenly (incorrectly) believe 'did you wrong’, if you keep replaying the scene and re-creating your negative feelings, it means you are holding on to it all. Holding on also means you are carrying one huge inner burden. Burdens make life heavy. Holding on means you are just stuck in an inner 'action replay' mode, and that only deepens your suffering, driving it deeper into your heart. Isn't that foolish? Can you give it up and get on with your life?

Here's the truth of hurt. Well, almost the truth! Every time you think about something hurtful, perhaps something that others said or did, you are only repeating the moment it happened in your own mind. Let's say you think about it 99 times. The other person only said or did what they did once. But you have done it over and over again in your head 99 times, so who is hurting whom here? You are hurting yourself.

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Message for the day 12-11-2010

The one who is clean and clear inside is the one who becomes a mirror for others.

Projection:

When there is the ability to realize and bring about a change, there is also the ability to make oneself clear and clean inside. Such a person naturally becomes a clean mirror for others to see their own perfection. He becomes an inspiration for those around for bringing about the best from within.

Solution:

Each and every moment of my life, when I am able to work to bring about a change in myself constantly, I am able to remain in touch with my inner qualities. I have the joy of experiencing my inner perfection, which naturally flows and touches the lives of those around.

Brahma Kumaris

Soul Sustenance

Understanding The True Self And The False Self (cont.)

The illusory (false) self is made up of desires that, even when fulfilled, fail to add value, or a sense of worth to the self. In fact, quite the opposite process happens. Let us examine some of these illusions and how they give us a mistaken sense of value.

Illusion (False emotion): Ego
Thought: I know, I am
Result: Arrogance, inflexibility, controlling others

Illusion (False emotion): Anger
Thought: I expect
Result: Force, aggression

Illusion (False emotion): Attachment
Thought: I own, It's mine
Result: Insecurity, possessiveness, jealousy

Illusion (False emotion): Greed
Thought: I want, I need
Result: Emptiness, wanting, dissatisfaction

Illusion (False emotion): Lust
Thought: I desire
Result: Exploitation, misuse, emotional dependence

These are the five fires that burn away the quality of human life: uncontrolled emotions that once, in their original pure state, gave happiness and peace to the individual but now create only emptiness and sorrow.

In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris

Thursday, November 11, 2010

Thought for Today

Detachment adds quality to each and every action.

When we are detached, we will not be bound by the action itself, but
will perform the action in a detached way. This means that we perform
the action, yet we are not dependent on the fruits of the action. This
automatically increases its quality. Then we would be free and
uninfluenced by the bondage of the action. In any situation where we
find ourselves doing a lot yet with a feeling of not attaining
anything, we should ask ourselves if we are attached to the task at
hand. The more we are attached, the quantity of work that we put in
increases at the cost of the quality. When we are detached we are able
to give our best in all that we do.

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Message for the day 11-11-2010

To understand the power of positivity is to finish negativity.

Projection:

All it takes to finish darkness, is a little light. What is real is light and what needs to go away is darkness. In the same way, negativity is nothing but a lack of positivity. The one who is able to use positivity in situations, is able to finish negativity very naturally. There is a very powerful influence of this inner positivity, where no negativity of the self or the others remain.

Solution:

When I am able to enable myself to use the power of positivity, I experience myself to be free from the influence of negativity. I am powerful in all situations, and deal with them with great ease. Others or situations don't have an influence on me. Instead I am able to influence others with my own commitment to positivity.

Brahma Kumaris

Soul Sustenance

Understanding The True Self And The False Self

Meditation is an attempt to find the true self. It is this self which holds the identity of what I am, an identity which, when realized, gives fulfillment and direction to our life. This is what we call the consciousness of 'I am', which emerges in meditation when there is concentration on the present and we focus on the now of 'I am', rather than the past, or the future (‘I was', or 'I will be').

To remind us of this state, we use the word 'OM', which means 'I am a soul', the spiritual identity that acts as a key to human consciousness. As we find and realize the true self through meditation, we become aware of the false self and how deeply embedded it is in our lives, both in our way of thinking and being.

When we understand this illusory (false) self then we can begin the process of dissolving its negative effects on the original or true self.

(To be continued tomorrow…)

In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Thought for Today

If we constantly focus on our goals, on getting something accomplished, we lose sight of where we are. Learning to enjoy the journey to our goals allows us to arrive at our
destination, enriched.

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Message for the day 10-11-2010

True honesty brings clarity about the self.

Projection:

Honesty doesn't mean just speaking the truth. Honesty means being clear with oneself. Then it naturally brings clarity about one's own capabilities. This clear understanding enables one to do the best according to the capacity. It gives the recognition of a higher step that can be climbed and brings the humility to learn from the different lessons of life.

Solution:

When I am honest I am able to know my own limitations and accept them with love. This acceptance keeps me busy with what I can do and also silently makes me ready for the next step. When time comes, I am able to do it, because I have already prepared myself for it. I don't stop when situations demand more from me because there is total clarity within.

Brahma Kumaris

Soul Sustenance

Aspiring To Be Famous – Is It Beneficial?

A famous singer once said that, in the world of music, if you give a hundred shows a year you are considered better and you reach the peak of fame. A time arrived when he said to himself "This is stressful. Is this what I want? More than a hundred shows a year to be at the top, so that then they invite you to the best places. No, I want to share music, but in another way, without stress, without fighting to reach and maintain fame and power." He then revised his purpose: "What do I want? Why do I do what I do? For what and for who do I do it? What is the price that I have to pay for this dependence on fame?"

Aspiring to be famous causes continuous stress and anxiety. You participate in a race in which you compete and are comparing yourself constantly. You stop taking care of yourself and nourishing your inner self. You take care of your image but not your soul. This brings about an inner emptiness and loneliness that, sometimes, is unbearable for us.

Reaching fame, financial wealth, the power of a visible position, and reaching it with a broken soul, a broken apart family and a sick body, causes depression.

We need to look inwards and ask ourselves – does our life’s purpose revolve around the search for fame and power? If yes, then we need to revise our purpose by realizing the negative effects that this search has on our lives.

In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

Thought for Today

Acceptance gives me the experience of being like an angel: never judging, never criticizing and never worrying.

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Message for the day 09-11-2010

To be free from the identification with negativity is to be always light.

Projection:

The one who identifies with his negative traits is always thinking about it. There is a trace of this negativity that is seen in everything he does or talks. He is not able to be free from this negativity because with each passing day the identification with it becomes stronger. Slowly others too start perceiving him in the same way.

Solution:

When I am able to be free from the identification with my negativity, I am able to be constantly light. There might be situations or people who might provoke my negativity, but I am able to maintain my inner positivity. This is because I have managed to finish my identification with the negativity.

Brahma Kumaris

Soul Sustenance

Are You Mentally Healthy (cont.)?

To know if you are mentally healthy or not, answer the following questions (we have already mentioned a few questions yesterday):

7. Do you continuously dislike being with people?
8. Are you upset if the routine of your life is disturbed?
9. Do your children consistently get on your nerves?
10. Are you irritable quite often and constantly bitter?
11. Are you afraid without any particular reason?
12. Do you feel that you are always right and other people always wrong?
13. Do you have numerous physical aches and pains for which no doctor can find a physical cause?


The conditions explained in these questions and in the ones mentioned yesterday are the major warning signals of poor mental health in one degree or another. Help is necessary if the answer to any of these questions is definitely 'yes'.

Spiritually based positive thinking helps one to attain the highest level of emotional balance and remain mentally healthy.

In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris

Monday, November 8, 2010

Thought for Today

Spirituality is the art of balancing your responsibilities: to yourself, your family and the whole world. The basis for this is an understanding of the self, God and the law of cause and effect (karma).

Anyone can fall victim to the suffering of a poor state of mind, ill- health, loss of wealth or unhappy relationships. Human life depends on these four factors and yet each of them has become so fragile and unreliable. God's power restores tolerance and the ability to face anything. An understanding of the deep philosophy of karma reveals how elevated thoughts, pure feelings and good actions can resolve all difficulties for the self and the world.

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Message for the day 08-11-2010

The best comparison is the comparison with oneself.

Projection:

The one who is comparing oneself with what he was and seeing how he can improve or how he has improved is the one who is constantly bringing about progress in his own life. On the contrary the one who is comparing himself with others is the one who is constantly finding excuses and leaving behind the opportunities that he gets for bringing about a change.

Solution:

When I am free from excuses and free from comparison with others, I am able to be light even in the most challenging circumstances. I am not caught up with my own mistakes or those of others, but am able to constantly add on to my treasure store of experiences and be richer and richer with every new challenge faced.

Brahma Kumaris

Soul Sustenance

Are You Mentally Healthy?

Mental Health is an important dimension of health, because the state of mind immediately affects the physical body's processes. Mental health is not merely the absence of psychological disease but also the balanced development of an individual's personality and emotional attitudes which enable him to live peacefully and harmoniously with his fellow-beings.

To know if you are mentally healthy or not, answer the following questions:

1. Are you always worrying?
2. Are you unable to concentrate because of unrecognized reasons?
3. Are you continuously unhappy without any particular reason?
4. Do you lose your temper easily and often?
5. Do you have wide fluctuations in your moods from depression to happiness, back to depression, which weaken you?
6. Are you troubled by regular insomnia (sleeplessness)?

(To be continued tomorrow ...)

In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris

Thought for Today

The index of change is to have better relationship with others. Change or progress for me is usually success in terms of money, status, or name. But usually this does not give an accurate index of the change that is taking place within me. Real change can be measured with the quality of my interaction with others. The more I progress, the more I find my relationship with others getting better. Others will also be happy with my progress and me.

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Message for the day 07-11-2010

To have knowledge means to remain cheerful.

Projection:

The one who has the right understanding based on accurate knowledge is the one who is able to remain content even during difficult situations. Since there is a clear understanding about situations and the people around, there is no difficulty in giving the best under all circumstances. Such a person uses all challenges to enrich his own capabilities.

Solution:

When I am able to use knowledge as a weapon in a positive way, I am able to understand everything that happens. I understand that there is a reason for whatever happens and there is something to learn from every situation. So I am not upset with the varied situations I am faced with, but am able to remain cheerful enjoying everything that comes my way.

Brahma Kumaris

Soul Sustenance

Self Empowerment

Introversion (self-observation) strengthens the self. Just as a tortoise withdraws from the external environment after its work is done, we too need to find time for ourselves. In the middle of the activity of the day, we need to make time to look within and find the beauty that is hidden there. When we do this as a practice it brings a positive experience that strengthens the self. We need to give ourselves a little time everyday at regular intervals. During this time, we need to look within and find our own uniqueness (individuality) and we will find that we are able to have access to our positivity. This practice will help us during difficult times too and we will be able to use these qualities under all circumstances. So we will not be a victim to situations but will be able to perform the right actions, which are required at that time.

In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris

Thought for Today

The primary quality or the original condition of a pure mind, a pure self, is peace. Initially there was no confusion about 'who I am'. As time passed by, and we came in the process of birth and rebirth, we began to identify with what we are not, starting with our own physical form, and then with external things like lands, positions, material possessions and people. These multiple identities generated the first confusions. In those moments, our inner peace was broken. This is why today so many people suffer from an identity crisis, but are so used to living in this crisis that they are not even aware that it is a crisis. They are not sure what they should be. They are constantly comparing themselves with others. They regularly aim to be like others. They even imitate (copy) the lifestyles of others: all signs that they don't know who or what they are. And if they think they are sure about who they are, the stability it brings does not last for long, as it is almost always based on 'something' external to the 'self’, something that must therefore be subject to change. In other words each and every one of us has learned to identify with something we are not.

This loss of true self-identity, at the most deep level, the spiritual level, is what gives rise to fear. And when what we fear might happen actually does happen, we get angry and try to control what we cannot control, so that it doesn't happen again.

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Message for the day 06-11-2010

To be a leader is to lead by one's own example.

Projection:

Everyone knows what is right and what is not. But the one who is able to live by what is right, and shows the same in his words and actions is the one who is able to inspire others to bring about a change. There is then no need to speak a lot of words to inspire others.

Solution:

When every action of mine is qualitative , I find that people look up to me for guidance and support. When people look up to me and take inspiration from me, I am able to keep attention on my words and actions so that whatever I speak and do is beneficial for myself and others.

Brahma Kumaris

Soul Sustenance

The Original Ingredients Of The Soul

Our original resources are very simply - peace, love, purity, knowledge and happiness. In Raja Yoga meditation these are called the five original qualities of the soul. When we return our consciousness to these five qualities and remember them, then the following feelings arise in us, which finally get reflected in our actions:

• Love: I care and I share.
• Peace: I harmonize and reconcile (adjust).
• Purity: I respect and I honour.
• Knowledge: I am and I exist.
• Happiness: I express and I enjoy.


To understand and remember these qualities, we need to recognize the heavy deep shadows or personality traits (“sanskars”) which have blotted them out, or polluted them. Sometimes we don't recognize the pollutants because they have ingrained themselves so deeply into the personality that we say ‘I am this’. True, complete spiritual knowledge, makes us aware of these pollutants and the practice of meditation empowers us to dilute them and get them out of our consciousness.

In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris

Thought for Today

True honesty brings real success.

When something goes wrong, I usually blame others and consider them the cause of my distress and unhappiness. Such an attitude would amount to carelessness and I only tend to feel disheartened and discouraged Whenever something goes wrong, the first thing I need to do is to check where I could correct myself. This correction is not to put myself down but to improve, to progress. This is what brings me real success.

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Message for the day 05-11-2010

True detachment gives a chance for others to grow.

Projection:

Where there is detachment there is the ability to let go. There is also an equal amount of love, but along with it is the ability to give others an opportunity to be themselves. One's own attitude or expectations don't colour the perception and others get a chance to express themselves easily and naturally.

Solution:

When I am detached, I am also loving. I am able to watch with inner happiness all that life brings into each one's lives. Neither do I take over other peoples' lives and feel disappointed when things go wrong, nor do I leave them to their fate. I am able to see their inner capabilities and get each one to become self-reliant.

Brahma Kumaris

Soul Sustenance

Meditation

Instead of identifying yourself as a body, identify yourself as a soul, a subtle (non-physical) star without any physical form and dimensions, a point source of light energy and consciousness. Whatever you do or say, it is you, the soul, who is performing that action through the body. The soul is like a driver and the body is the car. To be in complete control, the driver has to sit in the place where he has access to the controls and also can collect all the necessary information to make decisions. The soul is located in the centre of the forehead in the brain.

The soul has basic, peaceful, positive qualities – peace, love, joy, power, purity, knowledge and bliss. In meditation create an awareness of yourself as a soul. This naturally leads to an experience of these peaceful, positive qualities. This is what is called 'soul-consciousness'. It is not just something to experience while in meditation alone, but also as we perform actions.

In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

Thought for Today

When we reflect (think deeply) properly, we start to be economical with our thought energy. When milk is churned, it is gradually reduced in volume until it becomes butter. When we have many ideas, or thoughts, about a particular thing and we reflect in the right way, those ideas start to become cleaner and clearer, that is, more essenceful (focused).

Bringing our thoughts to the essence is called concentration. Such concentration is natural and not forced. We cannot concentrate naturally unless we have been through the reflection process.

When the mind gets to that point of concentration where mental energy is conserved (saved), then we are empowered (strengthened). An inner spring of energy is opened, which flows through us and takes us up to another level of consciousness.

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Message for the day 03-11-2010

Patience brings easy solutions.

Projection:

What one cannot achieve with pressure can be very easily achieved with patience. Patience brings a state of calm inside which helps in finding the answers that already lie within. It gives courage to work on the problem in a cool and relaxed way till the solution is found. It brings creativity even to mundane things.

Solution:

When I am able remain patient even in the most challenging situations, I am able to remain calm. I don't let go of my inner peace but am able to be aware of my own inner resources. I am able to retain my inner strength which gives me courage to find the solution for every problem.

Brahma Kumaris

Soul Sustenance

Going Beyond Others’ Perception Of Us

Watch how many things you do during the day are dependent on how you imagine the other sees you: your husband, your friend, your child, your cousin, your aunt, your boss, the secretary or whoever. You imagine how they are going to look at you and, as a result, you mould yourself accordingly. If you depend on the look of the other, inwardly you will always feel fear. You want to please the other so that they continue to see you as you want. Because of the dependence that we have on the other to appreciate us, value us and not to reject us, we want to please them. If, in spite of doing everything possible, they do not appreciate us or are not happy, how do we feel? Cheated. After having done everything out of wanting to please them! Inside, you want to please them because you want them to keep on loving you, or you don't want them to sack you from your job, or you are afraid of being different or not being accepted. That kind of dependency takes us away from our true authenticity. If you look at yourself well, in the end, others will look at you well and the one who does not look at you well will perhaps teach you something, but your value and self-esteem do not depend on the look of the other. In this state, you are open because you trust yourself and you have personal security.

The other entity can also be the Supreme Soul (God). We are afraid that God might judge us for being sinners or not. If I think God looks at me with that vision of whether I am a sinner, whether I am this or something else, I distance myself from Him. A judge like that does not help me to live with wholeness. In general, in society, there has been a distancing from the relationship and experience with God, because we have learned that He is a strict being and a judge. Actually, God is love; God looks at me well and sees my potential and my beauty (which reflects His), God embraces me and, in this embrace, He frees me: He does not allow me to depend on Him?

In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris

Tuesday, November 2, 2010

Thought for Today

We do realize inside ourselves that if we expect anything of anyone, one day we will be let down, so we create the emotion of disappointment, turn that into anger, and turn that back into fear (that it may happen again). And it’s all going on in our own minds.

The only cure for this cycle of negative thinking is not to expect anything of anyone. But then you say, “how is this possible, you have to have expectations that someone will call you up when you expect him/her to do so, someone will do the job that you have given him/her correctly, that your child will come home safe and sound...don’t you?” Well do you? Expectations are not compulsory. And once we see that they lead to pain maybe we can learn to live without them. But if you cannot be expectation free instantly, a cure for that is as follows - have expectations, but don’t get attached to your expectations. Another way of saying this is don’t let your happiness be dependent on having your expectations met. No one said this was easy, but it is possible. There will always be someone who does not do the given task, or arrive at the right time, or even simply call you as you expected.

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Message for the day 02-11-2010

To spread the light of happiness is to become a spiritual lighthouse.

Projection:

When we are in situations where there is negativity around or there seems to be no source of happiness, we too naturally tend to feel low and negative. We are totally under the influence of the situation and we can't seem to overcome the feeling at that time. Nothing actually inspires us to make effort to come out of such a feeling.

Solution:

We need to remind ourselves that we are a lighthouse, a source of light to all those around us. This thought will give us the inspiration to remain stable and strong even when we are amidst chaos or difficult situations. We will be able to spread our light across and show everyone the right direction by becoming an inspiration to those around us.

Brahma Kumaris

Soul Sustenance

Overcoming Acidity And Stomach Ulcers Through Meditation

A diet rich in chilies and oils as well as mental tension increases the stimulation of the specific nerves responsible for acid secretion in the stomach. The continued acid secretion over a period of time destroys the delicate linings of the stomach resulting into an ulcer. Antacids and other medicines which neutralize the acid or reduce stimulation of nerves help a person for a short period. For long term benefits a change in diet and transformation of one's outlook and mental state are essential.

Regular practice of meditation definitely makes ones outlook towards the day-to-day events positive. It also motivates a person and provides enough mental power to adopt a healthy life style.

The following short visualization, practiced for a few minutes every day, would help in reducing the stimulation of the specific nerves and in turn the acid secretion. This would also promote healing of the ulcer:

In a deep meditation state, visualize that soothing and relaxing white subtle rays of peace are falling from the Supreme Soul (who is in the incorporeal world or shantidham) on to the soul...

Focus these rays on the stomach; visualize that these peaceful rays, like a laser beam, are have a soothing effect on your stomach...

Now, in the middle of this experience: Picturize that the stimulation of nerves going to the stomach is reducing... Picturize that production of acids in your stomach is also reducing and the ulcer is gradually healing…

This type of visualization can be used to heal other illnesses in other body systems (parts) as well.

In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris

Monday, November 1, 2010

Thought for Today

Being positive does bring gains to the self and this in itself can create or promote (assist) change. Any individual change will have a positive impact on others around us in the workplace, including clients, colleagues and the broader organization.

Examples of some specific benefits of positivity at the workplace are:
1. Health and effectiveness at work – having more energy, better workload management.
2. Relationships with clients and subordinates – able to listen more receptively (openly) and provide a sense of hope to them.
3. Relationships with colleagues – more open to collaborating (working together) on problem solving.

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Message for the day 01-11-2010

To look closely at one's own behaviour is to bring about a positive change.

Projection:

While it is easy to talk about what other people should do to change themselves and their behaviour, it is also important to see what one can do to bring about a change in oneself. When there is the ability to look in this way, effort is put in continuously to change old unwanted patterns of behaviour and replace with more desirable ones.

Solution:

When I am able to take a closer look at myself, I am able to see which trait in my personality is getting in the way of my progress. This knowledge helps me accept myself with my shortcomings and yet have the courage to bring about a change easily. So I have the satisfaction of working on myself.

Brahma Kumaris

Soul Sustenance

The Mental Telescope

When the intellect, or third eye, is used as a telescope, it is able to understand the reality of 'consequence' (effect or result). Every thought, every word and every action is like a planted seed that, in time, will bear fruit. When there is realization of this reality, then there is attention paid to how we think, speak and act. We realise the importance of our own responsibility in creating certain situations, in creating our own attitude and state of mind. There is greater care and a more responsible use of our own power of choice.

With telescopic vision, we become the knower of the three aspects of time (past, present and future).

In RajaYoga meditation taught by the Brahma Kumaris, this is called being 'trikaldarshi', which literally means having the 'vision of the three aspects of time' in the sense that in the present I can learn from the past and create my future. The past cannot be changed, but my attitude to what has happened can be changed. Therefore, rather than having regret or bitterness about the past, I understand the lesson of life and move on.

In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris

Thought for Today

Your vision is a blueprint for the kind of life you want to lead. All you have to do now is visiualise what you want, create benchmarks and align them with your heart,your purpose and passion. Then follow that with action.

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